Institute for Advanced Study Astrophysics Special Seminar

ABSTRACT: The observed orbital properties of exoplanetary systems are distinctly different from our own solar Solar System. In particular their small distance from the star, their high eccentricity and large mass point to the existence of a phase with strong mutual excitations. A very important ingredient is planet-disk interaction. During their early evolution, young planets are still embedded within the protoplanetary accretion disk. In the talk I will present new results on this important process. As discovered during the last years the magnitude and direction of migration depends crucially on the physics in the immediate environment next to the planet. The importance of the planet-disk interaction process in shaping the dynamical structure of planetary systems will be presented.